Roxane Manley

Bald Archy Exhibition Comes To Parkes

February 26, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council is delighted to bring The Best of the Bald Archy Prize exhibition to the local community for free, offering a unique opportunity to experience Australia’s most loved satirical portrait award.

The exhibition opened 28 February and will continue to 18 April 2026, with free entry at the Coventry Room at Parkes Library and Cultural Centre.

The Best of the Bald Archy Prize celebrates Australia’s most popular and internationally recognised satirical portrait award, The Bald Archy Prize. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to enjoy art with a cheeky twist and is widely regarded as Australia’s premier satirical art prize.

Cultural, Education & Library Services Manager, Kerryn Jones, said: “The Best of the Bald Archy Prize is a wonderful example of how art can be engaging, humorous and accessible for everyone. This exhibition invites people of all ages to enjoy portraiture in a completely different way. We’re thrilled to be able to share such a popular and entertaining exhibition with our community.”

Celebrating the lighter side of art and the unmistakable Australian sense of humour, these works are guaranteed to make visitors think, talk – and most of all, laugh.

International Women’s Day 2026: Forbes Calls To Balance The Scales

February 26, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council is inviting the community to come together for a morning of inspiration, wellbeing and celebration at this year’s International Women’s Day event, to be held on Friday 6 March 2026 at Lions Park. The morning will begin with an invigorating Pilates session at 6.30am, open to all fitness levels, followed by a free community breakfast at 7am.

This year’s theme “Balance the Scales” is a call to action for a fairer and more inclusive justice system for women and girls.

It emphasises the need to dismantle barriers to justice and ensure that every woman and girl can be safe, heard, and free to shape her own future. The theme is particularly relevant for First Nations women, who face unique challenges and are disproportionately affected by violence and legal outcomes.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of guest speakers, each sharing their experience and leadership in the spirit of the theme: Maree Yapp, 2025 Forbes Citizen of the Year, Zoe Tyack, Owner of Rise Physiotherapy, Tess Bailey, Owner of Lachlan Valley Vets and Clare Pearson, CEO of Little Wings.

Attendees will also receive a complimentary gift bag, thanks to the support of local partners and organisations.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to reflect, celebrate and advocate.

Everyone is welcome, and Council encourages community members to bring

friends, colleagues and family for a meaningful and energising start to the day.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via 123tix.com.au. The Forbes International Women’s Day event is presented by Council in collaboration with the Forbes Business Chamber. For information about the event, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Celebrating Seniors Week 1 – 15 March 2026

February 26, 2026 by Roxane Manley

This year’s Seniors Week “Give It a Go Festival” invites older residents to Live Life in Colour as the community comes together to showcase the vibrant range of activities, social groups, and support services available for seniors in town.

Held over the first two weeks in March, the Festival encourages local seniors to try something new, reconnect with peers and explore the many opportunities that help them stay active, engaged and supported throughout the year.

This year’s program will shine a spotlight on:

• Hobby Groups – including art, craft, music, gardening and more

• Community Clubs – designed to help seniors stay connected and make new friendships

• Health and Wellbeing Activities – showcasing local exercise programs, gentle movement classes and healthy living resources

• Technology and Learning – talks and workshops to help seniors build confidence and pick up new skills

• Support Organisations and Service Providers – offering information on transport, home support, safety, health services and community assistance programs.

The Festival will kick off with the much‐loved Seniors Variety Concert at Forbes Town Hall on Sunday 1 March from 2pm. Seniors are invited to enjoy an afternoon of colour, music and local talent. Entry is a $5 donation at the door, which includes a delicious afternoon tea. All proceeds will be donated to the Vinnies Forbes Conference, supporting their vital work in the community.

Community members of all ages are encouraged to join the celebrations and show their appreciation for Forbes’ senior community.

For the full festival program, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2026/march-2026/seniors-festival-2026

Henry Cross Selected To Represent Australia

February 26, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Henry pictured in full swing on the squash court.

Parkes High student Henry Cross was notified by Sqaush Australia in early February of his selection in the Australian Squad to take on New Zealand in the 2026 TransTasman Test Match from 10-11 April 2026 in Melbourne, with the official announcement being made last week.

“Australia is looking to go three in a row for the first time ever in a Test Match against New Zealand. We will play in Melbourne in April, and I will be the Australian #1 Under 17 boy. This will then be followed on by the Australian Junior Open and Oceania Junior Championship – so I am looking at around 12 days straight of competition, plus an Aussie Squad training the day before,” said Henry.

This will be Henry’s third time representing Australia. Henry first represented Australia in 2023 in U/15 and competed in New Zealand, but the Aussie team lost overall.

Then again in 2024, where he won both his matches in the U/15 and the Aussie team won the test match.

When asked how he was planning to prepare in the lead up, Henry said: “Lots of fitness and on court work. I will work with my dad (who is my coach) and Jason at Parkes Athletic to make sure I’m ready.”

Henry has set himself some big goals for 2026, saying: “Making Australia Under 17’s was my first, but I also am aiming to make the All Schools Team and looking to trial for the Under 19 World Junior Team. I have also just started Year 11 at Parkes High, so am looking to keep my marks up to keep options open for after school is also a big focus this year.”

Local Advocate Drives National Road Safety Change During National Driver Fatigue Week

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

National Driver Fatigue Week (21–27 February) is shining a spotlight on one of the most dangerous and underestimated risks on Australian roads — driver fatigue — led by a local woman whose lived experience has grown into an award-winning national road safety campaign.

Parkes advocate Andrea Helen Hamilton-Vaughan has turned personal tragedy into action, creating the Power Nap fatigue prevention campaign now gaining national recognition across the heavy vehicle and road safety sectors.

Driver fatigue is a factor in more than 20 per cent of Australia’s road fatalities, yet for decades drivers have been told to simply “get a good night’s sleep” or “take regular breaks” — advice that does little to help when fatigue strikes while already behind the wheel.

“The science is clear,” Ms HamiltonVaughan said. “Fatigue is not solved by willpower. The only solution for fatigue is sleep. A short, planned power nap when fatigue first appears can save lives.”

National Driver Fatigue Week promotes the Power Nap message — encouraging drivers to stop and take a 15–20 minute nap at the earliest signs of fatigue.

Research shows this simple intervention restores alertness, improves reaction time and significantly reduces crash risk, with modelling suggesting fatigue-related fatalities could be reduced by up to 20 per cent if widely adopted.

What began as a grassroots campaign has grown into a nationally recognised safety initiative, earning multiple industry awards.

Mayoral Notes

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

I recently had the honour of accepting a Community Recognition Award for the 2025 National BBQ Championships. Presented by the Member for Orange Phil Donato, this award acknowledges the incredible community spirit and positive contributions that help strengthen our region.

The recognition was formally recorded in the NSW Parliament through a CommunityRecognition Statement, now part of the official Hansard record. For me, this award reflects the dedication, hard work, and genuine care shown by so many local individuals who continually strive to support and uplift our community. The momentum generated in 2025 sets the stage for an even larger celebration on 17 and 18 October 2026.

Residents will notice changes to the parking layout in Cross Street this week, with the area transitioning to nose‐in parking as part of ongoing safety and accessibility upgrades. The improvements include new line‐marking for the disabled parking space near Medicine and Mind, ensuring clearer access for those who need it. Updated signage will also be installed to rel

flect the new parking configuration. These changes follow recommendations from the Local Traffic Forum.

I’m delighted to share that we’ve received funding through the Federal Government’s2025-26 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program to bring the Lest We Forget Illuminations project to life. For the seven nights leading up to our ANZAC commemoration, the historic Forbes Town Hall will be illuminated with ANZAC imagery, stories and photos of locals who have served. The display will feature visuals from the Forbes RSL’s nightly ode, along with poppies and other commemorative imagery, creating a meaningful public tribute that honours service and preserves our local history.

Our events calendar is absolutely packed, with Clean Up Australia Day, Seniors Week, and International Women’s Day all just around the corner. For all the details, visit our website or subscribe to our weekly “What’s On” to have upcoming events delivered straight to your inbox.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Men’s Shed is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am to 12pm at 14 Union St, Forbes.

Forbes Men’s Shed: Looking for good company, a laugh, and something to do? The Forbes Men’s Shed is a place to connect, share skills, and have fun. Meet new mates and catch up over a cuppa. Work on hands-on projects — big or small. Learn, teach, or just chat. Open to all men whether retired, working, or looking for something new. Come along, get involved, and enjoy the company.

Parkes Shire Council NSW Seniors Festival Program: Explore our full line-up of free events including expos, films, art, wellbeing, workshops, performances and more across Parkes and Shire townships. For full program and to register for events at: bit.ly/SeniorsFestival2870. For more information, event registrations, or assistance, call the Parkes Shire Library on 6861 2309.

Forbes Medical Centre Bulk Billing: If you have a Medicare card, you will be bulk billed 100% of the time for eligible services at Forbes Medical Centre. With daily appointments available with both male and female GPs, phone the team on 6851 1300 to make an appointment or book online via Hotdoc. Forbes Medical Centre, caring for our community.

Central West Lachlan Landcare: Central West Lachlan Landcare are supporting the Peak Hill HEART (Healthy Eating, Activity & Resilience Together) Project as part of the Building Healthy Communities Challenge. This project will run until the end of April, but will have ongoing benefits to the community of Peak Hill. Join the Peak Hill HEART page to follow what is happening and find out more about the project at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/projects-3/peak-hill-building-healthy-communities-challenge/

Forbes Youth Action Team Youth Drop‑in Sessions: Looking for a relaxed space to hang out, study or unwind after school? Head to Forbes Youth and Community Centre (YACC) Every Wednesday during the school term from 4pm – 6pm for ages 12 – 18. These free drop-in sessions offer quiet study areas, recreational activities and a safe, youth‑friendly space. No bookings required – just drop in! For information, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/youth-drop-in

Parkes Men’s Shed: Parkes Mens Shed is a non profit shed designed for men to socialise and Do Projects for themselves or community. Come for a chat and a cup of coffee or be involved in some projects for the shed. Enjoy fellowship with other men in a friendly environment.

The Parkes Men’s Shed is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8.30am to 12pm at the Parkes Showground

Be Seen @ Forbes Public School Swimming Carnival

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

House colours were on full display at Forbes Public School on 13 February as students prepared to attend the annual swimming carnival.

Students over the age of 8 attended the Forbes Olympic Swimming Pool and cheered each other on in their house groups.

Congratulations to those students who placed and who will move on to represent the school and well done to all who competed.

Patchy Mobile Services An Ongoing Concern

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Fed up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to keep complaining.

The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas.

Sarah Thompson from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee said the stats reflected what farmers were saying.

“A lot of people are fairly fed up with complaining about this long-running issue, and it’s clear enough isn’t being done to fix the problem,” Mrs Thompson said.

“We’re encouraging people who aren’t satisfied with their service or the resolutions from their providers to go to the TIO to try and get a better outcome and make sure the issues are reported on.”

Small businesses complaints about internet services increased 16.1 per cent to 483 complaints, with increases noted for slow data speed, up 17.6 per cent to 234 complaints, and no phone or internet service, up 17 per cent to 476 complaints.

“We need to keep being the proverbial squeaky wheel and keep complaining, but do it in a way that matters, and that’s to the TIO.”

Forbes National BBQ Event Honoured

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Member for Orange, Phil Donato, Forbes Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, General Manager Stephen Dunshea and Mayor Phyllis Miller.

Forbes has been honoured with a Community Recognition Award, presented by Member for Orange Phil Donato. This award has been recorded in the NSW Parliament through a Community Recognition Statement.

Held over two days on the banks of Lake Forbes, the National BBQ Championships Forbes attracts teams from across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia to showcase their exceptional grilling and smoking skills, contributing to a festival atmosphere that drew strong community support and visitor interest.

The event featured live demonstrations, market stalls, children’s activities, music and an energetic celebration of Australian barbecue culture. The championships highlight not only outstanding culinary talent but also Forbes’ ambition to establish itself as a premier barbecue destination in Australia — a goal with promising potential to strengthen regional tourism and stimulate local economic activity.

Community Recognition Awards celebrate outstanding community service and positive contributions to the region, this award reflects the enduring impact local individuals make through dedication, service and commitment to the wellbeing of the broader community.

Forbes Shire Council has played an important role in driving and supporting the National Barbecue Championship, working with Council teams, community groups and industry partners to create a highly successful and engaging event.

The achievements celebrated across both the championship and the community awards underscore the strength, pride and collaborative spirit of the Forbes region.

The momentum generated in 2025 sets the stage for an even larger celebration on 17 and 18 October 2026.

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